"Thpas, that's not you up there.... I don't know who is up there, but it's not you."

Then, as if a clear thought came upon her, "Now you know how I felt about that blood from the rose thing with everyone calling me crazy!" 

..... 

"Damn that devil Strahd. I will be the bane of him..." peering at the direction of Ravenloft with some trepidation, she finishes, "..... eventually." 

"It can't be real...it's just another illusion, like earlier," says Emre with a decent amount of bravado.

Emre pokes at the corpse with her warhammer to see if it's actually there.

// If the corpse feels solid, I'd like to make sure it's not undead...is there a way to do that? Medicine, Investigation? //

As soon as Emre's hammer touches the body, it rapidly melts away until not a trace remains. A group of ravens gathers on a nearby tree and start cawing mockingly.

Thpas takes a deep breath of relief. "Emre, your magiks are powerful! Do me a favor; don't ever turn that hammer against me, yes?" His bright smile is betrayed by a woeful gaze, eyes transfixed upon the Warhammer. "We've spent enough time here. I think the crows will agree."

Quote from Kickinitlegit >>

Thpas takes a deep breath of relief. "Emre, your magiks are powerful! Do me a favor; don't ever turn that hammer against me, yes?" His bright smile is betrayed by a woeful gaze, eyes transfixed upon the Warhammer. "We've spent enough time here. I think the crows will agree."

"The road gradually disappears and is replaced by a twisted, muddy path through the trees. Deep ruts in the earth are evidence of the comings and goings of wagons. The canopy of mist and branches suddenly gives way to black clouds boiling far above. There is a small clearing here, next to a river that widens to form a small lake several hundred feet across. Five colorful round tents, each ten feet in diameter, are pitched outside a ring of four barrel-topped wagons. A much larger tent stands near the shore of the lake, its sagging form lit from within. Near this tent, eight unbridled horses drink from the river. The mournful strains of an accordian clash with the singing of several brightly clad figures around a bonfire. A footpath continues continues beyond this encampment, meandering north between the river and the forest's edge."

Only now you realize how cold you feel.

Byllemura steps forward, heading towards the camp: "Oy good people! It is heartwarming to hear singing and music. My companions and I are weary travellers from far-off lands. Would you mind us sharing a bit of our food, ale and tale in exchange for some warmth and entertainment?"

One of the gypsies answers, "Of course! You and your friends are more than welcome to stay with us. Madam Eva is expecting you. I would see her first."

Ireena looks nervous and whispers to Byllemura: "Many of the vistani are Strahd's spies. Do not put too much trust in them."

Whispering to the others, Emre affirms Ireena. "We should be careful how much we reveal about ourselves."

"Agreed but we must also respect our hosts. There may be more to that than what we have been told and see. It seems this place is full of mystery, illusions and deceit. And I would love to hear what Madam Eva has to tell us and how she knows we are here..." whispers Byllemura back.

Emre strides forward. "Well then, since Madam Eva is expecting us, it would be rude to keep her waiting. Where can we find her?"

"Madam Eva knows all. The big tent by the lake is Madam Eva's tent."

"These Vistani are too colorful to be associated with a devil.... And their warmth is much needed! To the big tent we go!" Valanthe moves toward the tent humming joyful tunes. 

Byllemura, to the gipsy who welcomed the party: "Thank you! We'll meet Madam Eva first then." Turning to Ireena, she says under her breath: "I understand your discomfort around these people, Lady Ireena. We will be careful." and then follows Valanthe in the direction of the biggest tent of the camp.

Thpas follows loosely from the group, lingering a bit here and there, admiring the fanciful and seemingly cheerful atmosphere of the camp.

Emre enters the tent with the rest of the group.

"Magic flames cast a reddish glow over the interior of this tent, revealing a low table covered in black velvet cloth. Glints of light seem to flash from a crystal ball on the table as a hunched figure peers into its depths. As the crone speaks, her voice crackles like dry weeds. "At last you have arrived!" Cackling laughter bursts like mad lightning from her withered lips."

"I didn't know we were expected," Valanthe says with a smile, then turning to the others, "She's an excitable sort isn't she?" 

"Didn't you know when we'd be arriving?" Emre asks.

Thpas introduces himself curiously "Are YOU Madame Eva? My name is Thpas.... I was told that my friends and I were to meet you here."